Community invited to help shape RPA’s $750 million redevelopment.

The local community and hospital staff have been invited to share their ideas about the $750 million redevelopment of RPA, to help ensure the hospital’s services meet the growing health care needs of the area.

“RPA is one of Australia’s premier hospitals and is recognised as a pioneer of patient care. The hospital has long history of working in partnership with its community,” the Hon. John Ajaka, Chair of Sydney Local Health District’s Board, said.

“Redeveloping a hospital is a complex process and we need feedback to ensure it meets the needs of the community. We need to hear what is important to those who will use the new facility including all of our patients, carers, visitors, staff and community,” Mr Ajaka said.

The NSW Government has fast-tracked the redevelopment of the hospital as part of the state’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

The redevelopment will include a new hospital building and the refurbishment of existing hospital spaces.

It will deliver an enhanced and expanded emergency department and Intensive Care Unit, as well as medical imaging suites, operating theatres, maternity, birthing and neonatal areas, and additional inpatient beds.

“As one of Australia’s oldest, premier hospitals the RPA will undergo the biggest transformation in its 140 year history of caring for the community,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

RPA’s redevelopment team is working closely with the District Executive, NSW Health Infrastructure plus hospital and community stakeholders.

“We’re inviting people to share their views and ideas about facilities that best meet the needs of our community, our patients and our staff,” Nobby Alcala, RPA’s General Manager, said

“The consultation will help shape the detailed planning and design of RPA’s new and upgraded facilities as part of the redevelopment,” he said.

People can share their views and ideas with the project team via an online survey on the new redevelopment website.

The survey builds on extensive engagement already undertaken with staff, clinicians and community members.

The project’s enabling works commenced in 2021. It’s expected planning approval will be sought later this year with construction of the new hospital building then set to begin. It’s expected to be completed in late 2025 and is due to open to patients in 2026.

Substantial refurbishment works to the existing hospital spaces will follow the construction of the new hospital building.